That’s great advice, but how do you actually go about doing that? How do you know if you’ve got a builder that you can trust and who has the knowledge and expertise to build your home?
Most of the advice you’ll get tells you that it’s important to get references from former clients. Again, that’s good advice, but it really doesn’t go quite far enough. Names, phone numbers, and addresses may tell you that the references are real, but you need to know more. You need to ask these homeowners some specific questions about the builder you’re considering. Here are 10 questions you can ask homeowners that will give you the real scoop on a builder you may be considering.
These questions may not get every detail you want (and need) to know about your builder, but they are a really good start. Too many homebuyers enter into a contractual relationship with a builder without first doing some serious research. Bear in mind that some of these questions are subjective in nature. It’s hard to quantify some of the answers. But it’s equally important to realize that you will spend a good amount of time with whomever you choose to build your home. The more you feel like you’re dealing with someone you can trust—and with whom you can communicate—the better off you’ll both be.
So don’t just settle for names, addresses, and phone numbers when you get references. Do a little bit of interviewing on your own to make sure you end up with the builder that’s right for you!